How to Study Math and Physics Effectively

At school I was useless at math. So was Albert Einstein I believe. Many years after leaving school I enrolled in a distance learning course at a university for a diploma in datametrics. I did well in all the computer courses, but I had to do a module in physics as well. I went to write the exam and managed to get a magnificent 38%.
The University allowed me to rewrite a supplementary exam, and I had two months to get myself sorted out. I had already learnt the work with all my heart. Two months later I rewrote the exam, and passed with a mark of 88% ! This enabled me to pass the Diploma cum laude, with distinction.
Download Physics for National Exam completed with solutions - Senior High School

National Exam 1997

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National Exam 1998

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National Exam 1999

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National Exam 2000

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National Exam 2001

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National Exam 2002

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National Exam 2003

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National Exam 2004

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National Exam 2005

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Well, I discovered a secret to learning subjects that involve figures, numerical problems and the like. The secret is simple: practice.
The text book I was working out of had the answers to all the problems at the back of the book. So I tried to do the sums without looking at the answer. Then I would check. If the answer was wrong, I would try again, using a different approach. If that didn't work out, then I would start with the answer and work backwards to the start. I solved every question that I could find. I practiced and practiced.
I worked in pencil, with an eraser handy, so that if the sum got messy I could clean it up. I used lots of scrap paper. It was hard work, but after awhile the elation of solving more and more questions first time round started making it a breeze to do.
So to summarize:
1. Get a book with lots of problems to solve in it. Make sure it has the answers in the book.
2. Only look at the answers to check if you got it right. Try to solve it first before looking at the answer at all.
3. If you can't get it right, try again.
4. If you still can't get it right, start with the answer and work backwards.
5. Do every problem you can find. Do them again if you are not yet confident.
6. Be prepared to work hard, and it will pay off big time.
Just the other day I gave this advice to a granny who was looking after her 14 year old granddaughter. This young girl was failing math and Granny couldn't help her much.